About

Biography :Jonathan is a Scottish drummer, composer and band leader now living and working in Birmingham and the surrounding area. Since graduating from the city’s Conservatoire in 2011 with a First Class Honours degree, he has been developing his projects with a focus on composition study and performance. He performs regularly across the UK with his own projects with recent performances at many of the top festivals including, Cheltenham, Glasgow and London Jazz Festivals.

As a sideman in many other projects, he also performs regularly with Trope, Young Pilgrims and, more recently, has been working regularly with Soweto Kinch in his trio touring the UK and Europe.

Jonathan Silk Big band :

Released on Stony Lane Records – 4th November 2016

The Jonathan Silk Big Band is an 18-piece ensemble dedicated to performing original compositions written for the band by the leader himself. Exploring high-octane grooves in contrast with delicately orchestrated ballads, the band consists of a highly versatile selection of some of Birmingham and London’s finest improvisers on the current UK Jazz scene.

With the release of their second album, Fragment on Stoney Lane Records, the ensemble is augmented with a graceful 13-piece string orchestra, expanding the palette of this already dynamic ensemble, echoing the inspirational sounds of the Metropole Orchestra whilst maintaining a high integrity with the fundamental root of the big band groove.

“An exciting collection of melodious, joyful and youthful new music created by a fine young musician Jonathan Silk. I’m sure we will hear plenty more from him in the coming years. Very reassuring hearing ‘the music’ in such good hands.” – Stan Sulzmann

“it’s gutsily engaging stuff in a Kenny Wheeler-ish vein, almost all composed by the leader, a drummer who knows how to lead from behind his kit.” Robert Shore – Jazzwise

“leader Silk is always in the driving seat whether at the kit or leading the band through the complexities of his arrangements.” – Lance Liddle bebop Spoken here

Jonathan Silk Quintet :

A contemporary project exploring the use of groove and sound within a Jazz context, this double tenor quintet features some of Birmingham’s finest improvising musicians. Heavily influenced by the music of Jim Black, Chris Lightcap and many more, the focus of the group is high-energy improvisation paralleled with contrasting beauty and delicacy.

The group is currently working on new material composed by Jonathan furthering the exploration into grooves within this context. Expanding their portfolio and building a strong profile around the UK scene.

“a storming set at the Harmonic Festival” – Peter Bacon, The Jazz Breakfast

“one of the most exciting bands to come out of the (Birmingham) Conservatoire in recent times” – Tony Dudley-Evans, Jazzlines and Cheltenham Jazz Festival

Photograph: Munro Jack

Fragment with Strings featuring Percy Pursglove:

Exploring the music from their latest album in an intimate and stripped-back setting, Fragment with Strings features trumpeter Percy Pursglove in small band format with a classic string quartet lineup. Taking advantage of the chamber music approach to Jonathan’s compositions, this ensemble creates delicate textures and subtle melodies creating a quiet crossing of two worlds with improvisation at the heart of every performance.